or (shortened) גֹזָלlemma גזָל missing vowel, corrected to גֹזָל; from גָּזַל; a nestling (as being comparatively nude of feathers); young (pigeon).
Transliteration:gôwzâl
Pronunciation:go-zawl'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term gôwzâl (גּוֹזָל, `{{H1469}}`) primarily denotes a "nestling" or "young bird," specifically a "young pigeon." Its etymological root is gāzal (גָּזַל, `{{H1497}}`), which carries the meaning "to tear away," "to pluck off," "to rob," or "to seize." This derivation suggests that the gôwzâl is so named either because it is easily "plucked" or "taken" from its nest, or perhaps due to its initial state of being "comparatively nude of feathers," implying a vulnerability or an unformed state. The semantic range is quite narrow, consistently referring to an immature bird, almost exclusively in the context of doves or pigeons.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term gôwzâl appears exclusively in the Pentateuch, specifically within the books of Leviticus and Numbers. In all its occurrences, it is found in the construct phrase "בְּנֵי הַיּוֹנָה" (benei hayyonah) or "בֶּן-יוֹנָה" (ben-yonah), literally "sons of the dove" or "child of the dove," which is consistently translated as "young pigeons."
Every instance of gôwzâl is situated within the sacrificial and purification laws, serving as an acceptable offering for individuals of limited means:
* **Burnt Offering:** [[Leviticus 1:14]] specifies that if one's offering is a burnt offering of birds, it can be turtledoves or young pigeons.
* **Sin Offering:** In cases where a person cannot afford a lamb for a sin offering, [[Leviticus 5:7]] permits two turtledoves or two young pigeons.
* **Purification Offerings:**
* After childbirth: [[Leviticus 12:6]] and [[Leviticus 12:8]] (the latter for those who cannot afford a lamb).
* For the purification of a leper: [[Leviticus 14:22]] and [[Leviticus 14:30]] (the latter for those who cannot afford more expensive offerings).
* For purification after bodily discharges: [[Leviticus 15:14]] and [[Leviticus 15:29]].
* For a defiled Nazirite: [[Numbers 6:10]].
The consistent pattern reveals that gôwzâl is always paired with the turtledove (תּוֹר, `{{H8449}}`) as a more affordable alternative to larger, more expensive animals (like lambs or goats) for various offerings. This "poverty clause" highlights a crucial aspect of the Mosaic Law: the accessibility of atonement and purification for all, regardless of socio-economic status.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root gāzal (גָּזַל, `{{H1497}}`):** The foundational verb meaning "to tear away," "to pluck," or "to rob." This etymological link underscores the vulnerability of the gôwzâl as something easily taken or separated.
* **yonah (יוֹנָה, `{{H3123}}`):** The general term for "dove" or "pigeon." The gôwzâl is specifically identified as the "young" of this species.
* **tor (תּוֹר, `{{H8449}}`):** "Turtledove." This bird is almost invariably mentioned alongside the gôwzâl as an acceptable offering, indicating their similar ritual suitability and economic accessibility.
* **Sacrificial System:** Concepts such as the olah (עֹלָה, `{{H5930}}`, burnt offering), chatta't (חַטָּאת, `{{H2403}}`, sin offering), and purification rituals are directly related, as the gôwzâl serves within these frameworks.
* **Divine Provision and Accessibility:** The inclusion of gôwzâl demonstrates the divine principle that the means of reconciliation and cleansing were not exclusively for the wealthy but were graciously provided for all segments of society.
### Theological Significance
The recurring mention of gôwzâl in the sacrificial system carries profound theological weight.
1. **Accessibility of Atonement:** The most striking theological implication is God's gracious provision for atonement and purification to all, irrespective of their material wealth. The "poverty clause" (e.g., [[Leviticus 5:7]]) ensures that no Israelite was excluded from the means of reconciliation with God due to their economic status. This demonstrates God's impartiality and His desire for all His people to be able to draw near to Him.
2. **Divine Compassion and Justice:** The allowance for a humble gôwzâl reveals God's deep compassion and understanding of human limitations. It underscores that the value of the offering in God's eyes is not measured by its monetary cost, but by the heart of the offerer, their obedience, and their genuine desire for purity and reconciliation. God's justice is tempered with mercy, ensuring that His covenant demands are achievable for everyone.
3. **Symbol of Humility and Purity:** Doves and pigeons were considered clean animals suitable for sacrifice. Their young, the gôwzâl, small and vulnerable, might subtly symbolize humility, innocence, or the complete dependence of the worshiper upon God's mercy and provision.
4. **Forecasting the Ultimate Sacrifice:** While not a direct type, the principle of a substitute sacrifice, even a humble one, foreshadows the ultimate, perfect, and universally accessible sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as the gôwzâl provided a path to atonement for the poor, Christ's sacrifice provides salvation freely to all who believe, regardless of their earthly standing, removing any barrier of cost or status.
### Summary
The Hebrew word gôwzâl (גּוֹזָל, `{{H1469}}`) refers to a "nestling" or "young pigeon," deriving from a root that suggests being "plucked" or "taken," perhaps highlighting its vulnerability. Its exclusive biblical usage is found within the Levitical and Numbers' sacrificial laws, where "young pigeons" consistently serve as an acceptable, less costly alternative for burnt offerings, sin offerings, and various purification rituals. This provision, often termed the "poverty clause," profoundly underscores God's compassion and His unwavering commitment to making atonement and ceremonial purity accessible to all Israelites, irrespective of their economic means. The gôwzâl thus stands as a powerful symbol of divine grace, ensuring that no one was excluded from seeking reconciliation and maintaining their covenant relationship with the Holy God.
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